Agriculture
National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
Promoting chemical-free, traditional farming based on local resources and livestock.
Agriculture Min.
Nodal Body
Centrally Sponsored
Scheme Type
At a Glance
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) is a standalone centrally sponsored scheme approved by the Government of India to promote natural farming across the country. Natural farming is a chemical-free, traditional farming method based on locally available resources, livestock (especially indigenous cows) and on-farm biomass. The mission aims to reduce input costs for farmers, improve soil health, restore ecosystems and provide safe, healthy food while building climate resilience.
Key Features & Objectives
1
Chemical-free farming. Promotes farming free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, relying on natural inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
2
Cluster-based approach. Implements natural farming in clusters across gram panchayats, with model demonstration farms and farmer field schools.
3
Lower input costs. Reduces dependence on purchased inputs, lowering cultivation costs and improving net incomes of farmers.
4
Soil & ecosystem health. Improves soil organic carbon, biodiversity, water-use efficiency and resilience to climate change.
5
Capacity building. Trains farmers and develops master trainers, Krishi Sakhis and resource persons to scale up adoption.
Key Facts
| Scheme type |
Standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme |
| Approved |
2024 |
| Ministry |
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| Core method |
Chemical-free natural farming using local resources and livestock |
| Key inputs |
Jeevamrit, Beejamrit and on-farm biomass mulching |
| Objectives |
Lower input cost, healthy soil, safe food, climate resilience |
★ EXAM FOCUS
The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) was approved as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 2024 under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Key terms: chemical-free farming, indigenous cow-based inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, cluster approach, and lower input costs. It evolved from the earlier Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP).
Practice MCQs
Test your understanding with these 5 questions (correct answer highlighted).
1
The National Mission on Natural Farming is under which ministry?
A. Ministry of Environment
B. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare ✓
C. Ministry of Rural Development
D. Ministry of Jal Shakti
2
Natural farming as promoted by NMNF is primarily:
A. High chemical input farming
B. Chemical-free farming using local resources ✓
C. Hydroponic farming
D. Genetically modified crop farming
3
Which of these is a natural input used in natural farming?
A. Urea
B. Jeevamrit ✓
C. DAP
D. Glyphosate
4
NMNF evolved from which earlier programme?
A. Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) ✓
B. Soil Health Card Scheme
C. PM-KISAN
D. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
5
A key benefit of natural farming under NMNF is:
A. Higher chemical use
B. Reduced input costs and better soil health ✓
C. Increased import of fertilisers
D. Mechanised monoculture
